Topographic maps

The topography of the United States is characterized by diverse and dynamic landscapes that vary widely across the country. In the east, rolling hills and low mountains transition into the Appalachian Mountains, featuring peaks that generally reach around 6,684 feet. Moving westward, the terrain shifts to the…

Average elevation: 1,014 ft

New York City's topography is a fascinating blend of varied elevations and unique landscapes, reflecting its diverse geography across five boroughs. Situated at the confluence of the Hudson and East Rivers, the city primarily features low-lying terrain, with the average elevation hovering around sea level.…

Average elevation: 62 ft

California's topography is characterized by a remarkable diversity that includes expansive mountain ranges, deep valleys, and vast deserts. The Sierra Nevada mountains dominate the eastern part of the state, with peaks such as Mount Whitney rising to 14,494 feet, making it the tallest point in the contiguous…

Average elevation: 3,048 ft

Seattle features a diverse topography characterized by its unique geographical setting between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. The city is situated on an isthmus, which contributes to its dramatic landscape, featuring rolling hills and steep slopes that rise abruptly from the waterfront. The average elevation…

Average elevation: 131 ft

San Francisco is characterized by its striking and varied topography, making it one of the most distinctive cities in the United States. The landscape features a mix of rolling hills and steep inclines, with the highest elevation reaching approximately 922 feet at Twin Peaks. The average elevation across the…

Average elevation: 207 ft

Florida's topography is characterized by its predominantly flat landscape, with the highest elevation being Britton Hill at just 345 feet above sea level, making it the lowest high point of any U.S. state. The state is primarily divided into three physiographic regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the East…

Average elevation: 20 ft

Virginia's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from the Atlantic Coastal Plain in the east to the mountainous regions in the west. The Coastal Plain features flat, low-lying areas that gradually rise to the Piedmont, known for its rolling hills and valleys. Further west, the…

Average elevation: 814 ft

Arizona's topography is highly diverse, shaped by three distinct regions: the Colorado Plateau, the Basin and Range Province, and the Transition Zone. The northern Colorado Plateau is characterized by flat, high plains over 4,000 feet in elevation, including the Grand Canyon and its breathtaking cliffs. In…

Average elevation: 4,032 ft

Oregon's topography is strikingly diverse, characterized by an array of geographical features that shape its unique landscape. The state is framed by two significant mountain ranges: the Pacific Coast Range to the west and the Cascade Mountains running north to south through the center. This mountainous…

Average elevation: 3,077 ft

Ohio's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape that ranges from the flat plains in the north to the rolling hills and rugged terrain in the southeast. The state can be divided into several distinct regions, including the Great Lakes Plains to the north, the Central Plains in the west, and the…

Average elevation: 912 ft

Saint Petersburg features a predominantly flat topography characteristic of the Gulf Coast region. The city's elevation averages around 44 feet (approximately 13.4 meters) above sea level, with some areas dipping to about 15 feet (4.6 meters)​. This relatively low elevation contributes to the area's…

Average elevation: 13 ft

Michigan's topography is characterized by a diverse landscape that transitions from flat plains to rugged hills. The state comprises two peninsulas, with the Upper Peninsula showcasing more pronounced elevation changes, including its highest point, Mount Arvon, which rises to 1,979 feet (603 meters). In…

Average elevation: 850 ft

San Diego is characterized by a diverse topography that features coastal plains, rolling hills, and rugged mountain ranges. The city is situated along the Pacific Ocean, where it boasts an extensive shoreline with sandy beaches and tidal zones. As you move inland, the landscape transitions from the flat…

Average elevation: 410 ft

Colorado's topography is characterized by a diverse range of elevations and landforms, making it one of the most geologically varied states in the U.S. The state is dominated by the Rocky Mountains, which run north to south and include the highest peak in the contiguous United States, Mount Elbert, towering at…

Average elevation: 6,759 ft

North Carolina features a diverse topography that can be divided into three distinct regions: the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Appalachian Mountains. The Coastal Plain, which occupies the eastern part of the state, is characterized by flat and gently sloping land, with elevations typically less than…

Average elevation: 535 ft

Missouri's topography is marked by a diverse array of landforms that contribute to its unique landscape. The state is characterized by four main physiographic regions: the Ozark Plateau, Dissected Till Plains, Mississippi Alluvial Plain, and the Osage Plains. The Ozark Plateau, located in the south, features…

Average elevation: 827 ft

Boston features a diverse and dynamic topography that shapes its character. The city is primarily located on the Shawmut Peninsula and encompasses a mix of coastal plains and rolling hills. Its average elevation hovers around 85 feet, with the highest point being Bellevue Hill at approximately 330 feet​. The…

Average elevation: 82 ft

Pittsburgh, located in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, is characterized by its distinct and varied topography, shaped by the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers. The city itself is situated at an average elevation of approximately 764 feet (233 meters) above sea level, with the terrain…

Average elevation: 994 ft

Tennessee features a diverse and varied topography characterized by its distinct regions, which include the Appalachian Mountains, the Central Basin, and the Gulf Coastal Plain. The state’s highest point is Clingmans Dome, rising to about 6,643 feet above sea level, while the lowest point is along the…

Average elevation: 764 ft

Alabama's topography is characterized by a diverse and intricate landscape that varies significantly across its regions. In the northern and northeastern parts, the terrain features the hilly and mountainous Appalachian Highlands, including the notable Cheaha Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 2,407 feet…

Average elevation: 446 ft

Chicago is characterized by its predominantly flat terrain, with an average elevation of about 579 feet (176 meters) above sea level. The city's landscape is primarily shaped by its proximity to Lake Michigan to the east, which influences local weather and provides a scenic waterfront. While the central areas…

Average elevation: 597 ft

Salt Lake City's topography is characterized by a striking contrast between its flat valley floor and the surrounding rugged mountains. The city is situated in the Salt Lake Valley, with an average elevation of approximately 4,237 feet above sea level, making it one of the higher major cities in the United…

Average elevation: 5,223 ft

Atlanta features a varied topography characterized by its rolling hills and elevated terrain. The city sits at an average elevation of approximately 1,050 feet (320 meters) above sea level, with elevations ranging from about 725 feet (221 meters) to 1,175 feet (358 meters) in the surrounding areas​. This…

Average elevation: 932 ft

Punta Gorda features a predominantly flat topography characterized by its low elevation, averaging around 7 to 10 feet above sea level. The terrain is primarily made up of coastal plains and wetlands, interspersed with small hills such as those found in South Punta Gorda Heights, which can reach elevations of…

Average elevation: 10 ft

Portland features a striking and varied topography characterized by its location at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. The city lies within the fertile Willamette Valley, flanked by the snow-capped Cascade Mountains to the east, including the prominent Mount Hood, and the less elevated…

Average elevation: 253 ft

Houston is characterized by its predominantly flat topography, sitting at an average elevation of approximately 59 feet (18 meters) above sea level. The city is situated on the Gulf Coastal Plain, which is dissected by a network of bayous that contribute to the region's drainage. This terrain was once covered…

Average elevation: 82 ft

Texas showcases a diverse and expansive topography that spans approximately 268,000 square miles, making it the second-largest state in the United States. The landscape ranges from the arid deserts of West Texas, characterized by broad valleys and mesas, to the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country, where…

Average elevation: 1,699 ft

New Mexico's topography is strikingly diverse, characterized by a mix of high mountain ranges, arid plains, and expansive desert regions. The state is primarily defined by the Rocky Mountains, which run north to south through its central region, featuring peaks that reach over 13,000 feet, such as Wheeler…

Average elevation: 5,535 ft

Manhattan, a densely populated urban island, has a diverse topography characterized by its generally flat terrain interspersed with elevated areas. The average elevation is about 50 feet (15 meters) above sea level, with its highest point reaching approximately 265 feet (81 meters) at Bennett Park in…

Average elevation: 52 ft

San Jose, located in Santa Clara County, California, features a diverse topography characterized by a mix of low-lying plains and rolling hills. The city sits at an average elevation of approximately 82 feet (25 meters) above sea level, with the surrounding terrain including the foothills of the Santa Cruz…

Average elevation: 866 ft

Austin features a diverse and varied topography shaped by its position along the Balcones Fault. The city’s elevation ranges from about 425 feet to approximately 1,000 feet above sea level, creating a landscape characterized by rolling hills and elevated areas particularly in the western regions. To the…

Average elevation: 709 ft

Tampa is characterized by a predominantly flat topography, with an average elevation around 16 to 49 feet above sea level. The terrain is marked by low-lying areas and gentle slopes, with the highest points in the vicinity reaching approximately 62 feet. This landscape is interspersed with numerous water…

Average elevation: 36 ft

Tehran, located in the northern part of Iran, is set against the backdrop of the Alborz mountain range, which towers prominently to the north. The city itself is perched at approximately 3,750 feet (1,143 meters) above sea level, providing a striking contrast between its urban landscape and the rugged terrain…

Average elevation: 5,049 ft

Phoenix is characterized by a unique topographical landscape nestled in the Salt River Valley. This valley, at an average elevation of about 1,086 feet, is framed by several prominent mountain ranges, creating a striking contrast between the flat plains and elevated terrains​. Notable peaks such as Camelback…

Average elevation: 1,578 ft

Asheville, located in Buncombe County, North Carolina, is characterized by a diverse and picturesque topography primarily shaped by its position within the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city itself sits at an elevation of approximately 2,200 feet, surrounded by peaks that rise significantly higher, such as Mount…

Average elevation: 2,385 ft

Philadelphia, located at the confluence of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, features a diverse topography characterized by its gentle slopes and valleys. The city lies on the Atlantic Seaboard Fall Line, transitioning from the flat Coastal Plain to the more rugged Piedmont region. This unique geographical…

Average elevation: 144 ft

San Antonio features a diverse topography characterized by gently rolling hills and flat plains. The city's elevation averages around 650 feet above sea level, but nearby areas can reach heights of up to 1,300 feet in certain locations like Cross Mountain​. The landscape is part of the southern edge of the…

Average elevation: 810 ft

Pennsylvania's topography is characterized by its rich diversity, ranging from the rugged Appalachian Mountains in the south to the flatlands of the northern plateau. The state's elevation varies significantly, with the highest point being Mount Davis at approximately 3,213 feet and the lowest at sea level…

Average elevation: 1,115 ft

North America's topography is characterized by its diverse and dramatic landscapes, stretching from the towering Rocky Mountains in the west to the expansive Great Plains in the central region, and the rugged Appalachian Mountains in the east. The Rocky Mountains, which include peaks exceeding 20,000 feet,…

Average elevation: 965 ft

The western two-thirds of the state, lying in the great central plain of the United States, has a generally flat or undulating surface, while the eastern third has many hills and forests. The land gradually rises from east to west; its altitude ranges from 684 ft (208 m) along the Verdigris River at…

Average elevation: 1,972 ft

Illinois features a diverse topography characterized primarily by broad, fertile plains and some hilly regions. The state is predominantly flat, with about 90% covered by the Central Plains, particularly the Till Plains, which are rich agricultural lands shaped by glacial activity during the last Ice Age. The…

Average elevation: 699 ft

Whidbey Island features a diverse topography characterized by a mix of rolling hills, lush forests, and dramatic coastal cliffs. The island stretches approximately 55 miles in length and up to 12 miles wide, rising to elevations of about 500 feet at its highest point. Its terrain includes expansive farmland…

Average elevation: 148 ft

Nashville-Davidson, features a diverse topography characterized by its position in the Nashville Basin and the Highland Rim. The terrain is predominantly hilly, with elevations ranging from approximately 385 feet at the Cumberland River to around 1,163 feet in areas like Radnor Lake State Natural Area. This…

Average elevation: 604 ft

Delaware's topography is characterized by a distinctive blend of low-lying plains and gentle hills, reflective of its geographical positioning on the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the Appalachian Piedmont. The state predominantly features flat terrain, especially in its southern regions, where elevations rarely…

Average elevation: 52 ft

Washington State's topography is characterized by dramatic contrasts, shaped primarily by the formidable Cascade Mountain Range that divides the state into distinct western and eastern regions. The western part is marked by rugged mountains, lush forests, and a plethora of lakes, resulting from glacial…

Average elevation: 2,612 ft

Tucson is situated on an alluvial plain in the Sonoran Desert, at an elevation of approximately 2,400 feet (730 meters) above sea level. The city is enveloped by five mountain ranges, which contribute significantly to its varied topography. To the north lie the Santa Catalina and Tortolita Mountains, while the…

Average elevation: 2,697 ft

Las Vegas is characterized by its distinctive topography, which features a mix of arid desert landscapes and mountainous terrain. The city itself sits at an elevation of approximately 2,030 feet (620 meters) above sea level, while the surrounding peaks reach heights exceeding 10,000 feet (3,000 meters),…

Average elevation: 2,480 ft

Kansas City features a diverse topography characterized by rolling hills and valleys, with elevations ranging from about 794 to 997 feet above sea level. The landscape is shaped by the confluence of the Missouri and Kansas rivers, resulting in a mix of elevated areas and flat river plains. The region's average…

Average elevation: 909 ft

Mexico's topography is characterized by a remarkable diversity, featuring rugged mountains, expansive plateaus, and lush coastal plains. The Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges run parallel to the country's western and eastern coasts, respectively, creating a central highland…

Average elevation: 1,352 ft

Ukraine's topography is characterized by a striking contrast of features across its vast landscape. The country predominantly consists of fertile plains and steppes, especially in the central and southern regions, where elevations typically range from sea level to around 600 meters (1,969 feet) above sea…

Average elevation: 600 ft